I couldn't help but notice it. Standing there on the top of the magazine rack, it was in my face.
As I waited for my turn to purchase some groceries, I tried to digest the words glaring at me from the newest Prevention Guide.
I tried to distract myself. I glanced at the surrounding publications. I read the headlines blaring the latest news from The Bachelor and telling me that Jen is trying to lure back Brad. I focused on the photos of easy-to-make, weeknight casseroles. I turned the other way and looked to see if any sugar-free bubble gum was on sale. I pulled out my cell phone and called Gregg.
But the magazine grabbed my attention again and again.
Outsmart Diabetes
REVERSE DIABETES With Food!
The headlines hit me in the stomach. Outsmart diabetes? Reverse diabetes with food? If only we could...
It's the whole type 1-versus-type 2 situation again. It's no wonder so many outside of the T1D and medical communities think type 1 and type 2 are the same disease. It's no wonder I'm repeatedly asked, "Will Jack outgrow diabetes?" Or told, "Don't worry. It'll get easier." Or, "Wouldn't he be fine, if he just stopped eating sugar?"
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes, oh, how I wish these two conditions didn't share a name.
What's in a name? In this case, difference, confusion, misunderstanding and, at times, judgment and upset.
Jack has type 1 diabetes and there's no outsmarting it. There's no reversing it with food. There's no cure.
And there's no easy way to explain to a six-year-old boy, whose life is filled with highs and lows, finger pokes and insulin injections, carb counting and precautions, why his type of diabetes can not be reversed.
I know headlines like those above are always out there. We're confronted frequently, but for some reason, that particular Prevention Guide got to me. I'm just glad Jack was in school when I shopped for groceries today. At least the headlines didn't get to him, too.
Ugh! I hate headlines like that too! Sorry you had to see that when you were out shopping!
ReplyDeleteThis kind of headline drives me CRAZY!!! I understand that they are trying to help people with type 2 diabetes...but lets not HURT those who are living with type 1 diabetes by making such statements without clarifying that you cannot "reverse" type 1 diabetes with diet and exercise! These broad statements create a real missunderstanding of what type 1 diabetes really is and it undermines all of the hard work that people are making in terms of educating the public about this disease. I always think of the little ones who have type 1 and are too young to understand all of the things that are thrown about on tv and in magazines, they hear and see these un-truths and it has to hurt them.
ReplyDeleteI know that it hurts the parents too. Maybe someday the media...in all forms, will start to clarify when they make such statements.
Just today at the mall there was a big sign from ADA that said, "Do you have diabetes? You could be closer to a heart attack then you think!"
ReplyDeleteUmmm, thanks big sign...your an a**.
Ugh!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I saw that too last Saturday. I wanted to buy them all and burn them so nobody else could see them.
ReplyDeleteBut then I decided it wasn't worth one stupid penny of my money for that kind of crap.
Bah.
ARGH!
ReplyDeleteCan you imagine being new to this...perhaps you're child was dx last night and you're just trying to pick up a few things on the way back to his/her room...when you run across this????
That thought makes me sick.
I really wish type 1 and type 2 were not both called diabetes. That would solve all of these issues.
ReplyDeleteThe thought of Jack or another T1D child or a parent of a newly diagnosed child seeing this magazine cover is just so upsetting. I was so grateful Jack wasn't with me at the store.
For all of us who live with T1D, it IS hurtful and damaging!
Meri, the ADA should know better than to place a message like that on a sign at the mall! Shame on the ADA! I understand the public service and outreach intent of the sign, but come on! The ADA is there to support people with type 1, too. They should know better!
They truly do need different names. I wonder who we can talk to about this. Seriously? Would it be someone @ the AMA?
ReplyDeleteThe myths are perpetuated by the names and then confusion runs rampant. I started my blog in a large part to educate non-type 1 families...but have had the added bonus of befriending all of you...xoxo